Obedience Classes

Tier 1: Basic Training

Basic Training is the start of a well-trained dog. Using the clicker-training method, basic commands like “sit,” “come” and “down” are taught, in addition to skill development in loose leash walking, release, impulse control, come, going to a mat or place, body handling, and handler focus. This class may be repeated to build the dog’s skills before moving on to more advanced classes.

Handlers must be at least 12 years of age and have attended one of our Skills Evaluations before the start of class if less than 16 years of age. Please read our policy on children in class for more information.

Prerequisite: NoneFee: $100

Membership is required to take classes at TCOTC. Membership fees are $25 for a Single Membership and $35 for a Household Membership. If you are a new member, you will be prompted to choose a membership level upon enrolling for Basic Training.Be sure to check our policies for children in class and allowed training equipment.

Please note: The first week of class is a mandatory orientation for humans only. It may be held at a different time than your normal class. Please see the class schedule for details.

Tier 2: Continuing Obedience Education

Graduates of Basic Training or Puppy Basic Training may register for Tier 2 classes. Students new to TCOTC who wish to sign up for any obedience class listed below can complete a Skills Self Assessment to be placed in the appropriate class.

This class will help your dog develop skills to behave politely in the wider human world. In addition to Basic Training, dogs will learn to look at you when faced with distractions, off-leash attention, and to walk by other dogs while on leash.

Beyond Basic

Continue building the skills and behaviors taught in Basic Training. Further work on loose leash walking, strengthening stays and recalls. Reinforce mat training and impulse control. This class is a great next step towards a polite, well-behaved dog!

This beginning class is designed for dogs that have not had experience in scent work and for students who want to enjoy watching their dogs just be dogs. This class follows the training practices of NACSW–the National Association of Canine Scent Work–although it will start your dog on the path toward participating in scent work competition of other organizations as well.

Tier 3: Sports, Skills, and Competition

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs.

Beginning/Intermediate Rally classes offer both the dogs and handlers a fun and energizing experience. A rally course includes 10 ̶ 20 stations, depending on the level. The main objective of rally is to produce dogs that are trained to behave at home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs.

If you’re thinking about Obedience competition or are already competing, this class helps dogs and handlers work on increased confidence and/or focus. This class is geared toward obedience and rally work, but is applicable for agility as well.

Whether you’re competing or living with a family pet, you eventually want your dog to respond to cues without always anticipating a cookie. This class starts the transition away from relying on rewards to get the desired behavior from your dog.

Twin Cities Obedience Training Club

TCOTC is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the relationship between you and your dog. We provide low-cost training opportunities in basic obedience, agility, flyball, tracking and therapy dog work, using principles of positive reinforcement and operant conditioning.